Graham has been at St Helens his whole professional career

St Helens legend Eric Chisnall believes the Saints have a great future if they can keep James Graham and James Roby at the club.

Former forward Chisnall, 64, says the pair are key parts in a strong squad.

"I think we've got the players to build a team around in James Graham and James Roby," he told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"They are two absolutely fantastic players. I think we've got the nucleus of a good squad and there is youth coming through here."

Chisnall played for St Helens for 15 years after making his debut for the side against Rochdale Hornets in 1967, and went on to make 523 appearances, scoring 70 tries.

Every year people are trying to judge players from past and present - it's a thing you can't really do Former St Helens forward Eric Chisnall

His status as a club legend is secured, as he is one of an elite band of Saints players to have played over 500 times for the club - a list that includes current captain Keiron Cunningham.

He says, however, it is very difficult to compare players from the past to those in today's game.

"Every year people are trying to judge players from past and present - it's a thing you can't really do," Chisnall said. "It's like in boxing and football, if you're a good player in an era, you'll be a good player any era.

"I think the lads today will be the same, as in 15 years time they will have all turned out to be great players."

But the man in the Knowsley Road hall of fame says he was glad to have played the game in the years he did, as he believes the game has changed.

"I liked to pass the ball and play a bit of football but now they are more regimented. It's changing slightly, although, St Helens have always played good rugby. But I would have rather have played when I did," he said.

"Rugby league is a great game no matter what era you play in. It's always exciting, always has been and always will be."

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